Why does throwing up relieve migraines?

Migraine is a chronic condition that can feel like an intense headache with pulsating pain on one side of the head. It can lead to several symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. 

Migraine is a common neurological condition. The exact cause of migraine isn’t known, but several things can trigger it, such as:

• certain foods
• hormonal changes
• stress levels

Migraine attacks can be very intense, and some people find that vomiting eases their symptoms. However, researchers haven’t studied this effect in depth. Traditional treatments for migraine include preventive medications and drugs that can help ease an attack.

It’s very common to feel nauseated or even to throw up during a migraine episode. Although it’s never recommended to force yourself to throw up, if you feel like vomiting when you have a migraine, it’s safe to let yourself do so. In fact, vomiting might help relieve that strong nausea so you can rest as your migraine resolves.

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How does throwing up relieve migraine?

Nausea and vomiting are some of the most common symptoms of a migraine attack. And when vomiting occurs, some people find that it may actually relieve their symptoms — but there is little evidence about the link.

For example, an older 2013 study suggests it may be because throwing up can release endorphins that help lower pain. Vomiting may also reduce inflammation and pain because it diverts blood flow. There is little newer research into this topic.

Migraine relief after vomiting could also be due to vagus nerve stimulation. Vomiting can stimulate the vagus nerve, and some research suggests that vagus nerve stimulation may be helpful for migraine management.

Some of the nerves that affect migraine pain also cause nausea, and the act of vomiting may provide feedback to these nerves, reducing the activity that causes nausea and migraine pain. This also explains why methods such as vagus nerve stimulation may help relieve migraine.

However, it’s also possible that vomiting may just happen to occur at the end of a migraine episode when symptoms start to subside. 

Remember that it’s not advisable to induce vomiting to alleviate migraine symptoms, but throwing up naturally may often help you feel better.

Should I be worried if I throw up? 

A migraine episode usually happens in stages. It may start with a prodrome preheadache phase before the intense pain of the headache phase. The postdrome postheadache phase occurs as the pain is resolving. Vomiting during a migraine often occurs near the end of the headache stage, and you usually don’t need to worry if you throw up.

Throwing up is a common symptom of migraine that often happens as your symptoms are resolving. It’s usually not a cause for concern. However, if you vomit frequently, consider speaking to a healthcare professional, as it can increase your risk of dehydration, increased stomach acid, or an electrolyte imbalance. 

Common symptoms of a migraine episode during the headache phase include:

• throbbing headache
• nausea and vomiting
• nasal congestion
• sensitivity to light
• stiffness and pain in the neck
• fatigue
• muscle aches

Migraine episodes that last longer than 72 hours without a pain-free period are known as status migrainosus. If your symptoms exceed 3 days, seek medical help, as this condition usually requires a different treatment than a typical migraine attack.

Medication options

You can find relief and even prevent a migraine using medications such as:

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers 

OTC drugs can reduce some migraine symptoms, such as pain and inflammation. These include:

• acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• aspirin
• ibuprofen (Caldolor)
• naproxen (Naprosyn)
• aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine combination medication (Excedrin)

Prescription medication

If OTC options don’t work, your healthcare professional may prescribe you medications, such as: 

• Triptans are a first-line migraine treatment that can help shrink blood vessels and reduce pain. Examples include:
  • eletriptan (Relpax)
  • rizatriptan (Maxalt)
  • sumatriptan (Imitrex)
• Antiemetics are a type of dopamine receptor antagonist that can reduce migraine pain. Examples include metoclopramide (Reglan) and prochlorperazine (Compro).
• CGRP receptor inhibitors are newer medications that can help manage and prevent migraine episodes. Examples include ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) and rimegepant (Nurtec).

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Lifestyle measures

Lifestyle measures such as avoiding triggers and keeping hydrated can help prevent migraine.

Avoid triggers

Although the exact cause of migraine isn’t known, certain factors can lead to an episode of migraine. Some things that can trigger a migraine episode include:

• certain food and drink, such as:
  • aged cheese
  • processed foods
  • alcohol
  • caffeine
• temperature changes
• stress
• allergies
• strong odors
• sleep deprivation

Consider keeping a migraine journal to track and identify what may be triggering your migraine attacks. This can also be useful when discussing symptoms with a healthcare professional. It may help identify a cause and determine a suitable treatment option.

Keep hydrated

If you have regular migraine attacks, it’s important to keep hydrated. According to a 2022 study, hydration is an important lifestyle factor in managing migraine.

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Integrative remedies

Specific integrative remedies can help provide relief for chronic pain. It’s important to continue using any prescribed medication alongside natural remedies.

Examples include:

Acupuncture 

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicinal practice that involves the insertion of tiny needles into target areas of the body. It can help to reduce tension and pain associated with migraine.

A 2020 study found that acupuncture may help reduce the severity and frequency of headaches.

Natural remedies 

Natural remedies can be a good way to find migraine relief at home. Some natural remedy options that may help migraine include: 

• ginger 
• magnesium 
• massage
• lavender essential oil
• peppermint oil
• yoga

Summary

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of a migraine episode. Some people may find that throwing up signals the end of a migraine episode. However, little evidence suggests that throwing up itself can relieve your symptoms.

If you find yourself throwing up frequently, consider speaking with a healthcare professional, as excessive vomiting can lead to dehydration. It’s also not recommended that you induce vomiting to alleviate migraine symptoms.

There are several treatment options to help relieve and prevent a migraine, such as medications and natural remedies.

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